Description

This High Protein Big Mac Pasta is a delicious and nutritious meal-prep friendly recipe that combines lean beef, whole wheat or legume-based pasta, and a creamy Greek yogurt cheese sauce, all topped with a flavorful homemade Big Mac inspired sauce and fresh veggies. Perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner, it’s packed with protein and veggies, making it both hearty and healthy.

Ingredients

Pasta and Meat

250 g whole wheat or high-protein pasta (e.g. chickpea or lentil pasta) – 2 ½ cups
700 g lean beef mince (5% fat or leaner) – 25 oz
1/2 onion (finely diced)
2 medium tomatoes
2 cups iceberg lettuce (shredded)

Sauce and Seasonings

200 g Greek yogurt – ¾ cups
100 g cheddar cheese (grated) – 1 cup
1 tbsp dried oregano
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and black pepper to taste

Healthy Big Mac Sauce

100 g plain Greek yogurt – ⅓ cup + 1 tbsp
1 tbsp mustard
2 tbsp tomato ketchup (no added sugar)
1 tbsp pickled relish or finely chopped pickles
1 tsp vinegar (white or apple cider)

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Instructions

Cook the pasta: Prepare the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside to keep warm.
Brown the mince: Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add the lean beef mince along with dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook until the mince is browned thoroughly and no pink remains, breaking it up as it cooks.
Create the creamy sauce: Reduce heat to low and stir in the Greek yogurt and grated cheddar cheese into the cooked mince. Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely and the mixture becomes a smooth, creamy sauce. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta into the pan with the sauce and mince. Stir well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy beef sauce.
Prepare the Big Mac sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the plain Greek yogurt, mustard, tomato ketchup, pickled relish, and vinegar until smooth and well combined.
Assemble the dish: Divide the pasta evenly into serving bowls. Drizzle each portion generously with the Big Mac sauce. Top with diced onion, chopped pickles, chopped tomatoes, and shredded iceberg lettuce. Optionally, sprinkle with sesame seeds for extra texture.

Notes

Use a high-protein pasta such as chickpea or lentil pasta to increase protein content and dietary fiber.
If you prefer, substitute lean ground turkey or chicken mince for beef to vary protein sources.
Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if it becomes too thick.
This recipe can be prepared ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep.
Adding sesame seeds on top enhances the traditional Big Mac flavor and adds a nice crunch.
Use no-added-sugar ketchup to keep the recipe lower in sugar and healthier overall.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American-inspired